Update Jan 7
A series of dumpster fires, obviously arson have continued in Ballard despite heightened public awareness and the Seattle Fire Department's ongoing investigation. There were four on Saturday Jan 6 and two more on Sunday Jan. 7 with the latest getting called in at 11:31, in the middle of the day to a location in the 4700 block on 17th NW. The Seattle Fire Department is urging businesses with dumpsters to follow some simple rules and asking anyone with knowledge of the arsons to call 911 or SPD’s Arson and Bomb Squad at (206) 684-8980 or the Arson Alarm Foundation Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON.
Original Post Jan 6
A series of dumpster fires in Ballard are now under investigation by both the Seattle Fire and Seattle Police Departments. The first dumpster fire in Ballard occurred on December 21, 2017, and the most recent occurred on January 5, 2018. This isn't the first time fires of this type have occurred in the Ballard area.
A series of dumpster fires were set in Crown Hill and Ballard in August of 2016 nearly burning down four buildings and a series of fires were set near homeless encampments on the Burke Gilman trail last July. No suspects were found and no arrests were made in either case.
With these recent fires, the Seattle Fire Department recommends that business owners and residents take a few simple steps to reduce the chance of an arson fire in your dumpster and/or bins.
OUTSIDE:
- Locate dumpsters and containers at least five feet away from walls and roof eave lines. Use only metal or metal-lined receptacles.
- Place locks on commercial dumpsters or keep in secured area. Locks may be available through your contracted service provider.
- Secure business and garage areas by locking doors and windows.
- Clean up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter, or anything that can burn from around buildings. Clear carport areas of all combustibles.
- Trim shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility.
- Install motion-sensor exterior lights.
INSIDE:
- Test fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers, to ensure they are working and in compliance with codes.
- Develop and practice a fire response plan.
- Keep exit ways clear of items which could slow evacuation efforts.
Please report any information you believe may be related to arson to SPD’s Arson and Bomb Squad at (206) 684-8980 or the Arson Alarm Foundation Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON or arsonalarm.org. An award may be provided for information resulting in an arson conviction. Persons providing information may remain anonymous. If you see any suspicious activity taking place, please call 911.
